Camping is an enchanting opportunity to reconnect with nature and unwind with loved ones. However, when spending the night outdoors, you should plan in detail to avoid risks and inconveniences! If you value your comfort, you don’t have to feel like a prehistorical person on camping. Even if you’re traveling to an exotic or remote location, the tips in this article will help you enjoy your tent vacation!
It’s time to challenge routine, overcome fears, and live to the fullest. Below are practical recommendations – the first step to a relaxing and fun weekend away from civilization. Read on to find out how to choose the best car camping tent and optimal vehicle.
Choosing A Suitable Car
The first step is to decide on the number of passengers, the duration of the vacation, and its format. It will help you plan your luggage and tell you the characteristics of the desired vehicle model. Always calculate the number of passenger seats with a reserve. Create enough space for your travel companions and allow everyone to feel comfortable if they should sleep in the car.
To rent a large passenger van is an excellent choice for a family vacation. Consider the best 9-passenger vehicle rental options for a family of 5-7 people and book in advance to keep attractive deal terms. Car rental for 9 people allows you to take along sports equipment for active leisure and enough provisions.
It is better to select the car type based on the topography of the camping site. A roomy car with soft suspension and all-wheel drive is suitable for driving away from highways. Crossovers or SUVs are an excellent choice for sandy or wet ground. SUVs are also ideal for handling heavy loads. The van is one of the most acceptable options for long-term group camping. Vans combine the benefits of space and comfort but lose out on harsh terrain.
Car Camping Tent Recommendations
The choice of tent also largely depends on the direction of travel, the size of the group, and individual needs. The impressive range of car camping tents can make the decision difficult, so read on to avoid a stupor and save time!
Tailgate Or Side Door Tents
A cozy family barbecue or romantic glamping can be arranged with the help of a side door tent or a tailgate one. Planning to set up beds in your vehicle with access to an impromptu veranda – pay attention to tailgate tents. Enjoy the natural tastes of a warm evening, protected from the outside world only by a tarpaulin roof and mosquito nets. Finally, you have access to Wi-Fi, USB, and heating. After all – it can’t be perfect without technology!
Side-door car awnings are ideal for short family trips, such as a picnic or outdoor celebration. On the contrary, some roomy but flexible options are suitable as a large family tent for car camping. Among the advantages of these designs:
- Space for luggage and everyday tasks,
- Possibility of privacy,
- Spaciousness and mobility,
- Reduced risk of damaging the vehicle during installation.
When looking for the best choice for an 8-person car camping tent, it is worth considering this type as the most functional. Other reliable options for a large group could be a roomy separate tent or several compact ones. However, in this way, the community of the group and the possibility of heating are lost, and the overall level of comfort decreases.
Car Roof Tents
Lucky you if you have never woken up to the stomping of mysterious ungulates or lay frozen in fear while a snake crawls under you! In a ground tent, only a thin tarpaulin saves you from all the horrors of the wild. Music with deep bass helps against snakes. However, you should solve the problem globally.
A tent on the roof of a car helps build a high-altitude barrier against threatening creatures. The fear-inducing design of a vehicle with a towering tent will effectively scare away predators. In addition, you will not be bothered by the soil cooling down overnight and the cold air of the lower layers. In the rainstorm, you won’t have to swim out of the tent and sadly hobble into the car, dragging dirt into the cabin. Forget about clearing the area of gravel and treacherous sharp branches – your rooftop house is less whimsical.
Modernized options for car roof tent camping are mobile and easy to use. Some car-top camping tents have Bluetooth and charging sockets from solar panels. The most practical feature is automatic assembly and disassembly (without any extra effort on your part). This function eliminates the possibility of mistakes during manual installation, ensuring the structure’s safety.
Rooftop tents come in many different styles, and you may have a long time to choose between light and hard materials. Please note that light tents benefits are:
- Mobility,
- Low weight,
- Ease of installation,
- Durability,
- Localization options.
On the other hand, automatic installation options are mainly suitable for hard-case models. A stable body will protect you from hypothermia and precipitation, but it has noticeably reduced space efficiency. Pay attention to the load capacity of the rental car and discuss the installation of such a tent with the renter.
Final Tips
What else should you pay attention to when choosing a car camping tent? Follow the recommendations below to avoid nasty mistakes! Check that the tent is waterproof and the mosquito nets are good quality, and review the structure for damage before your trip. Practice assembling or disassembling the tent or at least comprehending the instructions.
When camping, avoid condensation building up while you sleep. Provide air circulation and dispose of wet items in the tent. Think about insulation. A durable lining will keep the cold out and protect you from pebbles and twigs underfoot. You can choose a heated option if the nights promise to be frosty.
Appreciate the tents, divided inside into sections. This feature will help organize personal space for each group member. Buy mesh cases to keep smartphones and other small accessories on hand so as not to rummage through the entire contents of the tent in endless searches.
A well-thought-out trip is the key to a great car camping experience! Start by choosing the best vehicle for rent in the USA, then choose your tent and accessories wisely.